There are some neighborhoods in Hong Kong that look nothing like they did 20 years ago. And there are some that do, more or less. In August I had the honor to take a walk through Old Wanchai and it was filled with lovely architecture. I remember the Blue House from when I lived in Hong Kong and one memorable day (the kind of day you’ll remember for decades) when my friend Annie and I were invited inside to take a look. This time I was given a tour by my friend Terence.
There used to be a Chinese medicine clinic on the ground floor of the Blue House and now a new one is going to come back into that same spot.
A better look at the clinic’s entrance.
And the balconies!
The Blue House has a courtyard in back.
And a space for outdoor film screenings.
Hong Kong mailboxes are known to be iconic, but these are on another level!
Out on the street behind the Blue House, there are a couple of old school bars, complete with neon signs (this says big dragon wind) and traditional lanterns. You don’t see either in Hong Kong much anymore, but they’re here in Wanchai. Can you also see the accordion door to the left?
The bar next door with the same neon characters.
And here’s a look at both on this little side street.
I love the different doors on this street.
Old buildings in Hong Kong are multilayered, even on the facade of the structures.
And some are smooth and elegant.
The old post office (the white colonial building) was a landmark for me when I lived in Hong Kong in the 90s. It opened as a post office in 1915 and is now used by the Environmental Protection Department. I remember taking the bus past here or waiting for a bus to the little island where I lived when I moved back in the mid-90s.
One of my favorite aspects of Hong Kong architecture is round corners.
This old round building used to the Wanchai wet market, but it’s been restored and now houses a design store.
It’s so nice to see Old Wanchai. I hope more areas in Hong Kong will follow suit before it’s too late.
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